CD Reviews

Welcome to our newest part of the Newsletter, designed to keep you up to date on the latest releases.

Meshuggah- Destroy Erase Improve- In Yiddish Meshuggah means crazy, and that is definitely an apt name for this impressive Swedish unit. Combining extraordinarily odd timing, on the first listen it seems as if each band member is playing an entirely different song altogether, with impressively unique lyrics, Meshuggah could quite possibly lead a new breed of 90’s metal into the 21st century. Much like Metallica revolutionized the metal world in the early 80’s, this band has that kind of potential. They definitely have a unique style, although some have likened them to Pantera, as one can see on their opening track, Future Breed Machine. It starts out with weird synth sounds, but, at the first huge chord, the band takes off. Oddly enough, almost all the lyrics were written by drummer Tomas Haake, and they show an extraordinary depth and vocabulary that one usually can’t find in the heavy metal world. Haake also shows himself to be an accomplished drummer, and it is his drumming that propels the music at an amazing pace. Guitarist Fredrik Thordendal proves to be a solid rhythm and lead player, with some pretty different solos. Although the songs do lack diversity, this is a very solid album to bang your head to. ***1/2

Sepultura- Roots- Sepultura, the Brazilian thrashmasters, have gone with a decidely new sound on this 1996 release. Gone is their incredibly intense and intricate thrash style, replaced with a more industrial and tribal sound. Yet, they show that they can still rip it up. From the ruthless growl of lead singer Max Cavalera to the pounding beats of drummer Igor Cavalera, the band continues to forge their niche in the metal world. Produced by Ross Robinson and including special guests Jonathan Davis (Korn) and Mike Patton (Faith No More) the album displays modern metal with an ancient Brazilian tribal feel to produce a refreshingly unique sound. From the first growling of Roots, Bloody Roots, to the very last drum beat, the band shows a diversity all their own. Although not as solid as some of their early 90’s work, the band’s new direction seems to be a welcome change to the world of metal. ***

Kyuss- ...And The Circus Leaves Town- Kyuss, one of the most intriguing bands of the 90’s, 1995 release has to rank as one of the best of the year. The band, named after a Dungeons and Dragons character, has played with bands such as Metallica, White Zombie, Danzig, and Faith No More, and counts Dave Grohl as a friend and huge fan, yet, they haven’t been able to break into the limelight. Their music is incredibly light and incredibly intense all at once. Hailing from Palm Desert, California, the band first gained acclaim with it’s 1992 release Blues For The Red Sun, which won Guitar World’s endorsement as the best album heard by no one. The band, whom many have compared to a Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd mix, combines driving beats with huge guitar tracks for a wonderful sound. The track One Inch Man warranted some air time, but didn’t seem to get that much response, despite it’s hilarious chorus “One inch man, he’s so lonely”. Unfortunately, the band has now parted ways, with guitarist Josh Homme forming Gamma Ray, a band that was seen on the second leg of the Lollapalooza tour, while bassist Scott Reeder teamed with Jason Newstead, and Dale Crover, among others, to produce four songs. Although the band has called it quits, their unique style can still be found on ..And the Circus Leaves town, a must have album of 1995. ****